Padman

Finally, the much talked about film and least talked about
topic ‘Padman’ starring Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor saw the
light of the day on Friday. It will be
more apt to term ‘Padman’ a movement, a mission to educate girls, women the
importance of menstrual hygiene. And at the same time the film ends the coyness
and brings the issue of menstrual hygiene and sanitary pad which is of vital
importance for females in the public forum to discuss without any reluctance.

‘Padman’ directed by R Balki is engrossing. From the first
to the last scene, there is no any dull moment. Every scene is engrossing. ‘Padman’
is a well promoted film, a very vital issue said in a very honest way. In other
words, it celebrates womanhood. Using clothes during periods are unhygienic
which is quite relevant in India still today. Survey says the percentage of using
sanitary napkins during periods is very less which is a great threat to women’s
health. ‘Padman’ is a sincere effort towards changing the mindset of the
society.

As all know ‘Padman’s is inspired from a real-life
personality Arunachalam Muruganantham,
from Coimbatore who took the initiate to produce low-cost sanitary napkins so
that every class of women can afford it. Akshay Kumar steps into the role of Arunachalam
Muruganantham. Radhika Apte plays his wife while Sonam Kapoor plays the role
of a teacher.

The film begins with
Lakshmikant Chauhan (Akshay Kumar) getting married to Gayatri (Radhika Apte) in
a village. Lakshmikant was a caring and loving husband who takes care of every
small discomfort of his wife. One day when Lakshmikant saw his wife using dirty
clothes during periods, he resisted her and asked her to use clean clothes. Gayatri
refuses to use clean clothes and stick to the age-old traditions. It hurt Lakshmi
deeply and he gets branded sanitary pad for Gayatri which she immediately rejected
for being expensive.

Deeply moved by Gayatri’s attitude, Lakshmi took an oath to solve the vital issue of the ladies by inventing a machine that would make cheap sanitary pad. Instead of receiving accolades, his
noble thought received lashes from family and society. Lakshmi’s morale was
boosted by Pari (Sonam Kapoor) who walked hand-in-hand with him from the rural areas to the
international U.N. summit.

R.Balki’s direction is as usual top-notch. He squeezed the
best from Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor. He talked about the
unusual but natural topic with ease. His narration is simple and it directly
touches the heart.

Talking about the performances, Akshay Kumar was incredible.
He enacted the scenes which feels very odd to showcases on silver screen with full
heart and sincerity. His lecture at the U.N. summit is mind-blowing. He is outstanding
in the role of Lakshmikant Chauhan.

Radhika Apte was marvellous. Her acting was excellent. She portrayed
the role with perfection. She was very natural. Sonam Kapoor was brilliant in the
role of Pari.